[SignalOne] Signal One 1030C (Modified Icom 781)

[Ora Smith]

I searched the threads for info on this radio, but didn't find anything.
Can anyone shed light on its history?  The unit is marked as a "Signal
One 1030C" and has a Signal One serial number and Signal One logo on the
S meter.  It looks like an IC-781 with a light colored front panel, a
Collins mic plug instead of the standard ICOM plug, plus it has a
Collins mechanical filter board installed using gold plated connectors
(the board sits on top of the ICOM filters, and includes GAsFET amps).
According to the guy I bought it from it has been modified internally
with upgraded PIN's and different RF output transistors, plus various
other things; however, it remains enough of a 781 to use the 781 service
manual on it.

=20

It is NOT the 1030CI ( which I have also seen referred to as a 1030C),
which was built into a extended height 781 cabinet.  The cabinet is
stock ICOM except for the different colored front panel and perhaps
different knobs.

=20

The fellow who sold it to me said he talked with Don Roehrs who said
this radio was one of a batch of 6 produced as prototypes for the Marine
Corps. I doubt that it was done for the USMC, because it is set up as a
ham band radio, i.e., no extended transmit mod and the band selection
labeling and selection is strictly ham.

=20

I heard from another source that this rig may have been made by someone
who bought the rights to the Signal One name and was trying to start a
business remanufacturing upgraded IC-781's, but never got past the
prototype stage.

=20

Can anyone shed light on the history of this radio?  Whatever it is, it
is a GREAT rig!  I have put my OMNI 6 up on the shelf.  The Rx is
outstanding, and with outboard audio DSP it has become the finest
receiver I've ever used.  I get good reports, too.

=20

I have pictures in case anyone wants to see what it looks like.

=20

Thanks es 73,

=20

Ora Smith

W9DJ



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